Flamingos are known for their long legs, long necks, and bright pink feathers. Now, scientists have discovered for the first time that birds form lasting and loyal friendships, and that physical traits may play a role in those bonds. Strong flamingo partnerships include mated pairs building nests together and raising chicks annually, as well as same-sex friends and groups of three to six close friends.

The six species of flamingos inhabit large salt or alkaline lakes, mudflats or shallow lagoons throughout the world, including the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia. Flocks of very flocking birds usually number in the thousands.

Study leader Paul Rose, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, wanted to find out if flamingos form complex bonds within their large groups.